tip

Information, Symptoms, Treatments and Resources

If you have acne or skin problems, it doesn't mean that you cannot look your best. Here are some tips on how to do that.

1. How to clean your skin Most doctors recommend that people with acne gently wash their skin
with a mild cleanser, once in the morning and once in the evening and
after heavy exercise.

Some people with acne may try to stop outbreaks and oil production by
scrubbing their skin and using strong detergent soaps and rough scrub
pads. However, scrubbing will not improve acne; in fact, it can make the
problem worse. Ask your doctor for advice on the best type of cleanser
to use.

Wash your face from under the jaw to the hairline. Rinse your skin
thoroughly after washing it. Astringents are not recommended unless the
skin is very oily, and then they should be used only on oily spots.

2. Don't be shy about moisturising Oily, blemished skin still need hydration. Choose water-based products,
rather than products containing oil or petroleum and check that they
are nonacnegenic and noncomedogenic.

3. Keep your hair clean It is important to wash your hair regularly. Avoid oily hair products,
such as anti-frizz products, because they may eventually spread over the
forehead, causing blackheads.

Remember to cover your face when applying hairsprays and gels.

4. Choose the right make-up If you are being treated for acne you need to change some of the
make-up you use. All make-up, such as foundation, blush, eye shadow, and
moisturisers, should be oil free. Rather go for powder blushes and eye
shadow. Choose products that are labelled as “noncomedogenic” (do not
promote the formation of closed pores) or “non-acnegenesis” (should not
cause acne).

If you are using acne medications, you may find it difficult to apply
foundation evenly during the first few weeks of treatment because the
skin may be red or scaly, particularly with the use of topical tretinoin
or benzoyl peroxide.

Remove your make-up every night with soap and water.

5. Good cover-ups A flesh-tinted acne lotion containing benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid
or sulphur can safely hide blemishes. Loose powder mixed with oil-free
product is also good for cover-up.

Camouflaging techniques can be used effectively by applying a green
undercover cosmetic over red acne lesions to improve colour blending.

6. Be careful of eye creams Eye creams are usually thicker and greasier than facial moisturisers.
Heavy eye creams and oily eye make-up removers can cause milia, tiny
white cysts under the eyes. Eye creams can also affect surrounding
areas, leading to acne on the cheeks, temples and forehead.

7. Suntanning Many of the medicines used to treat acne can make you more prone to
sunburn. You may be tempted to tan, because sunburn may make blemishes
less visible and make your skin feel drier. However, these benefits are
only temporary, and there are known risks of excessive sun exposure,
such as more rapid skin ageing and a risk of developing skin cancer.

Help prevent skin cancer by using sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) outside,
wearing protective clothing outdoors and avoiding overexposure to the
sun and artificial tanning.

8. Shave carefully Men who shave and who have acne can test both electric and safety
razors to see which is more comfortable. If you use a safety razor, you
should use a sharp blade and soften your beard thoroughly with soap and
water before applying shaving cream. Nicking blemishes can be avoided by
shaving lightly and only when necessary.

9. Avoid tight clothing Tight bra straps, headbands, collars and other clothing which place
pressure on the skin may cause zits and blackheads in those areas of the
skin. Rather wear loose, cool clothing.

10. What about fragrance? Fragrance can cause allergic and irritant reactions on the face. The
main culprits are fragrances in the ambrette, bergamot, cinnamate and
musk families. Stick with products labeled as “fragrance-free” or
“hypo-allergenic.” If you are not sure about the contents of a product,
do a skin patch test. If there is no irritation after three days of
repeated application, you may continue usage on a larger area.

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